Post vacation when you’ve been away from your home or office for a while is the BEST time to check in and see how it makes you feel. Read more to find out about common problems and holistic interior design solutions you can implement along with an overview of all 11 tenets of holistic interior design.
WHAT IS HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN?
Traditional interior design is about beauty and function. Holistic interior design goes deeper by acknowledging the tremendous effect our spaces have on our health and overall wellbeing. We use a number of tools to create healthy, well balanced, supportive spaces that maximize human potential and are in alignment with nature.
COMMON PROBLEMS + HOLISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN SOLUTIONS
#1. “My space makes me tired and I don’t feel like working or being productive”
Air – High levels of CO2 can make you feel drowsy and affects your concentration.
Solution: Purchase an air monitor (the Awair monitor is our favorite) so you can get accurate readings of your indoor air quality. If it confirms high CO2 levels make sure to ventilate your space daily and purchase an air purifier (we love the Molekule air purifier because it works great and looks even better!)
Color – Soft colors and artwork tend to put us into a relaxed state and bright colors uplift and energize us.
Solution: What color is your office space or the area where you sit down to work? And what color is the artwork you have up? If it’s too toned down chances are you will feel the same way. Try painting a bright accent wall or swapping out the artwork in your work area to something with more color and a theme that is energizing (for example bright, abstract art which energizes versus a photo of a beach which relaxes)
#2. “My space overwhelms me and it’s hard for me to be happy in it”
Feng Shui + The Language of Space – Understand how the placement of yourself and the objects within your space affect your life in various ways.
Solution: Neuroscience studies now confirm that our surroundings impact our brain in both positive and negative ways. So, if you don’t feel good in your space it is important to do something about it. Otherwise, your space becomes an energy drain versus a place that nurtures and supports you. The best thing to do is to take a look at your space and pinpoint what about it bothers you. If it’s 5 different things (for example I hate the lighting, furniture, art, layout) then tackle one at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. As you work through each one and start feeling better you will be more inspired to continue. Does that make you overwhelmed? Then take advantage of the FREE 1:1 Virtual Holistic Interior Design consults Gala is offering and schedule yours today here.
Sanctuary – The second pandemic happening right now? Stress. So it’s important to create a space for yourself that offers a sense of refuge and sanctuary from today’s crazy world.
Solution: First, de-clutter. Keep only the things that you use and that you love. This helps to cut the visual ‘noise’ and creates a sense of calm. Swap loud or clashing colors with softer tones and add some natural materials, which tend to add tranquility to a space.
#3. “I can’t focus in my space”
Light – We should be getting at least 30 minutes of natural light a day. Sunlight affects our circadian rhythms which in turn affect our energy levels and moods so it’s important to get lighting right.
Solution: Check to see what color your bulbs are. For task related work bright white light with a color temperature of 4500 lumens is ideal as it mimics the sun’s color temperature at 10AM which is when we are the most awake.
Biophilia – Bring nature into your space as much as possible. This has been proven to have a myriad of positive effects on people and will help bridge the gap of our current disconnection from nature.
Solution: Incorporate real, faux plants or even artwork that depicts nature. All of these things have been proven to lower blood pressure and stress and improve mood and concentration.
Gala Magriñá Design works with clients that understand the importance of creating a beautiful space and want to work with a no-nonsense design team that is able to clearly chart the best way forward. What separates or approach from other designers is our extensive knowledge of how people live and how best to create a customized space that nurtures that. We aim to merge cool and beautiful interiors with a holistic, mindful and intuitive approach to design that results in powerful, healthy spaces that elevate and transform people’s lives. For more information please visit galamagrinadesign.com.
